PLUS (MT)

The Desert Speaks"Grand Canyon, The Human Touch"
Host David Yetman joins his brother, geologist Dick Yetman, for an exploration of the traces of humans along the Colorado River and Grand Canyon region. They observe sacred salt mines from the boat, visit the intersection of the Little Colorado River with the main river and even enjoy an impromptu canyon concert. The brothers learn the history of rapids - how they got their names, the scales of intensity and spend time with scientists studying the effects of the Glen Canyon Dam on the flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon. D

4:30 pm

Outdoor Idaho"Eyes of the Forest"
Traveling Idaho's forests and mountaintops, this episode tells the history of the state's fire tower lookouts, and visits with the contemporary watchers who still spend their summers in the remaining structures, providing the first alarm about growing fires.G

Nature"Echo: An Elephant to Remember"
The matriarch of a much-studied herd of elephants in Africa has died of natural causes at age 65. This retrospective of her life also looks to the herd's future as it grieves her loss while facing Africa's worst recorded drought. Archival footage of watershed moments in Echo's life are combined with interviews, including elephant expert Cynthia Moss, who studied Echo and her herd for nearly 40 years.G

7:00 pm

Wild!"Orangutans: The Last Trimate"
In the late 60s, legendary anthropologist Louis Leakey appointed three women to study and care for the great apes of the world: Dian Fossey (gorillas), Jane Goodall (chimpanzees), Birute Galdikas (orangutans). Thirty-five years later Birute is still there, based in the appropriately named Camp Leakey, and is responsible for the longest study of an animal species by a single person ever conducted. Known as the "Trimates", Birute is the least recognized of the three women, yet her crusade is no less compelling.G

8:00 pm

Yellowstone: Land to Life
Filmmaker John Grabowska presents a lyrical interpretation of the geologic story of Yellowstone. Formation of glaciers, mountain ranges and the gigantic caldera of a supervolcano provide a sweeping saga. A short concluding film "Yellowstone's Cascade Corner" features the portion of the national park that lies in Idaho and is filmed and produced by Idaho Public Television.G

8:30 pm

Remembered Earth: New Mexico's High Desert
Travel a storied landscape of the American West, a land of hallowed mountains, red rock canyons and vast plateaus. Indian author N. Scott Momaday gives words to the landscape filmmaker John Grabowska captures on film. Together they present a thoughtful interpretation of land ethics. Indian actor Irene Bedard (Pocahontas) narrates.G

9:00 pm

Irish Rovers: Home In Ireland
Filmed entirely on location in Northern Ireland, THE IRISH ROVERS: HOME IN IRELAND celebrates 45 years of the hits made famous by the rollicking Irish Rovers. Known for such folksy jigs as "The Unicorn," "Wasn't That a Party," "Grandma Got Run-Over by a Reindeer," "Whiskey on a Sunday" and "The Black Velvet Band," their songs have become anthems of revelry and joy for generations of fans. With three award-winning television series to their credit, the group takes to the small screen once again to share their love of music and their native land. D

10:30 pm

Himalaya with Michael Palin"Roof of the World"
Taking the high road to Lhasa, Palin seeks to see for himself what the Chinese have done to Tibet. From the Potala Palace to the great monasteries of Tashi Lhunpo and Sera, he sees religion is once again tolerated, while the old Tibetan centre of the city is being torn down to be replaced with shopping malls and nightclubs. He also learns how to milk a yak, makes cheese with a nomad family, and travels to the summer horse festival in Yushu. Part 4 of 6G

11:30 pm

Nature"Echo: An Elephant to Remember"
The matriarch of a much-studied herd of elephants in Africa has died of natural causes at age 65. This retrospective of her life also looks to the herd's future as it grieves her loss while facing Africa's worst recorded drought. Archival footage of watershed moments in Echo's life are combined with interviews, including elephant expert Cynthia Moss, who studied Echo and her herd for nearly 40 years.G